Windows® 7: Which Version Suits you, 64-bit or 32-bit?

The users just don't need to choose from several editions of Windows 7, but they must also decide which operating system version they are going to run - 32-bit or 64-bit. If your CPU is a bit old, you don't have any option and you can run only 32-bit version. However, if you are running a modern processor, you have to chose between the versions you are going to run.

The design of 32 or 64-bit refers to the memory address length that can be referenced by the processor. It also indicates the maximum memory that can be utilized. A recent trend has given much leeway to the 64-bit version, and in the past three years or so, all new PCs have the 64-bit hardware. But with the introduction of Vista, the trend had shifted to mass adoption of the 32-bit version because the Vista could not handle the 64-bit version partition when it came to running programs and accessories like printers and scanners.

All the applications cannot be made faster just by using 64-bit operating system because many of the software that are written and optimized today are for a 32-bit. You need to install a software which is specifically optimized for 64-bit processing to take the privileges of any improvement in speed.

The 32-bit softwareÂ is restricted to 4GB memory, but if you want to take the full privilege of the extra RAM, you need to have a 64-bit CPU, operating system and applications.

If you are using a very old software, then it will not run under a 64-bit operating system.

If you are working with 32-bit drivers then it will no longer work on Windows 7 64 bit. Now, you need to discard poorly supported hardware as it will no longer be usable.

When you will try to run some 32-bit applications on a 64-bit operating system, it would actually work slower. You will notice some degradation in the performance.

In a nutshell, it totally depends upon the user what he uses his computer for. If your CPU is 64-bit capable but you are using older hardware, then it is better to stay with a 32-bit version. But if you have the latest hardware and drivers, you should go for 64-bit operating system

The comparison and the choice is totally in the hands of the users and one cannot tell what exactly the user should do. However, they must take into account the elements of cost, compatibility and the current operating system running in their computer.